Cloyd Fans Nine as Phillies Beat Reds

The Tyler Cloyd Project is going smoothly thus far. Cloyd fanned nine Cincinnati Reds as the Phillies won the first game of the series, 4-2.

Jimmy Rollins was the difference as he launched a three-run homer in the fifth inning, his 17th, off Johnny Cueto. John Mayberry Jr. added a solo shot in the sixth inning off the NL Cy Young candidate.

Cloyd isn’t quite on Cueto’s level yet, but certainly outpitched him at Great American Ballpark on Labor Day. While the grills were burning, Cloyd was churning out strikeouts on the mound. The nine he posted is a season high for Cloyd, coming against a World Series contender in the NL.

So far, he’s been as advertised after going 15-1 in the minor leagues this season. As the Phillies make a late run at a wild card berth, they’re also holding tryouts for 2013. Cloyd is surely penciling his name in early for a chance at a rotation spot.

Phillippe Aumont recorded his first ever Major League save, but did give up two hits and a run in the ninth inning.